HOLLEY – A story which appeared on the Orleans Hub last week regarding the new health clinic in Holley may have been confusing, and Community Action’s director Renee Hungerford would like to clarify several facts.

First, Dr. Nancy Ciavarri was only there the day they announced the new clinic to show support for case manager and health coach Jeanette Worsley and help her get the clinic set up. Ciavarri is also a member of Community Action’s board. She will not be involved in the health clinic in any other way.

The mobile health unit from Oak Orchard Health will be at the Holley Community Center by appointment, with the first one scheduled for Aug. 24. Future dates will be posted in the Community Center. A health care provider will be on the mobile health unit.

There will be a fee for health visits, based on income. For those who have no health care insurance, someone will be on site to help clients sign up for Medicaid or health insurance.

Oak Orchard Health, Orleans Community Health and GCASA are all cooperating to run this new health program. GCASA will have a peer counselor available.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Alana Palone, right, chats with staff of Orleans Community Health’s walk-in clinic in Albion. From left are Jorgie Lang, clinical technician; Ciarra Silversmith, clinical supervisor; and Techelle Stephens, clinical technician.

ALBION – Orleans Community Health’s walk-in clinic on Butts Road has a new administrator, effective Aug. 6.

Medina native Alana Palone took over the duties after Nicole Helsdon left to accept another position.

Palone, the former Alana Schuner, graduated in 2000 from Medina High School and studied two years at Niagara Community College. She then attended Brockport State College, where she received a degree in health care administration with a minor in business.

She previously worked for Dr. Eileen Kosieracki on Long Bridge Road and Dr. John Thompson in the former Arnold Gregory Hospital building. She also worked for nearly 10 years for Rochester Regional Health, all at urban practices.

She and her husband reside in Brockport, and accepting the job in Albion gives them a perfect reason to move back home, she said. She is also looking forward to the opportunity to serve her local community. As clinic administrator, Palone said she hopes to implement process changes and encourage more people to utilize the services offered there.

The walk-in clinic offers health care by two nurse practitioners, Liz Gurnsey and Blessing Ibezin, with Dr. Syed Raza available part-time. Services offered include lab work, X-ray, occupational and physical therapy, walk-in care services and primary care.

Other staff includes clinical supervisor, Ciarra Silversmith and clinical technicians Jorgie Lang and Techelle Stephens.

The clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach at Community Partners, said the Albion clinic will celebrate its 10th anniversary in November with several special events.

DOT also working on Brockport’s lift bridge as part of $28.3 million rehab for 2 bridges

Photo by Tom Rivers: Traffic moves along Main Street in Albion this evening. The Main Street lift bridge will close for about 18 months as part of a major rehabilitation of the bridge from 1914.

ALBION – The Main Street lift bridge will close to traffic on Oct. 17 and not reopen for about 18 months until the spring of 2024, the state Department of Transportation said this evening during a community meeting at Hoag Library.

The bridge from 1914 will get an extensive rehabilitation. It is part of a $28.3 million project that includes the Main Street lift bridge in Brockport. The bridge in Brockport is expected to close in April 2023 and reopen in the spring 2024.

Crane-Hogan Structural Systems in Spencerport ins the general contractor on the two bridges. Crane-Hogan did the rehab work on seven canal bridges in Orleans County from 2018 to 2021. That was a $10.8 million project for the work on the single-lane truss bridges.

DOT officials said a planned closure for the two lift bridges is better than shutting down a bridge on an emergency.

“This is a planned event versus an emergency,” said DOT official said at this evening’s meeting. “We know what’s coming and everybody can plan for it.”

Michael Bonafede, owner of the Pratt and Day buildings in the downtown, speaks about the bridge project with engineer Jonathan Long.

The project includes replace the bridge deck and portions of the truss system with high-strength, galvanized steel. The lifting system’s mechanical and electrical components will be replaced and the lift towers rehabilitated. Crane-Hogan will also replace the bridge rails and repaint the bridge in the current shade of green.

“The work will modernize and fortify the internal workings of the bridge without comprising the external character that makes this bridge an iconic part of the Albion community,” the DOT in a brochure about the project.

Michael Bonafede, a downtown business and building owner, said the bridge closure for such an extended time will be a hardship on the community, especially the downtown merchants.

“It’s a huge project,” Bonafede said. “It’s going to be disruptive but the outcome is going to be worth it. It’s nice that they are saving the bridge. The Erie Canal is a tourist attraction.”

Bonafede shared concerns with DOT staff that some of the building owners will have lifts in the downtown for façade and window work as part of a Main Street initiative that was partially funded by the state.

Bonafede asked the DOT to not block off areas where some of that work will be done, including Morrison Realty which is close to the canal.

“In the end this is good for our community,” Bonafede said about a revamped bridge. “With a project this big you’re going to be inconvenienced. But for the long run, they’re going to make it better.”

Hoag Library hosted a meeting for the community to discuss the project with officials from the state Department of Transportation and Canal Corp.

Joyce Riley, the Albion deputy mayor, urged the community to make an extra effort to support the downtown merchants when the bridge is closed. She also said the closure could be a chance to hold events in the downtown that normally wouldn’t be possible because it is difficult to have the street blocked off.

She welcomes ideas from businesses and other community members for events in the downtown area while the bridge is closed.

“It’s going to affect the traffic pattern when everyone is skirting around the downtown,” Riley said.

She said the Main Street closure is the latest blow to the traffic flow in Albion, following the long-term closure of the Brown Street canal bridge about a decade ago and then the dismantling of the Clarendon Street bridge in the spring 2015.

“It’s getting harder and harder to get around in the community,” she said.

With the Main Street lift bridge closure, the DOT’s posted detour will be to utilize routes 31, 387 (Fancher Road), and 104 (Ridge Road). Most vehicles are expected to use the Ingersoll Street lift bridge in the village.

State DOT and Canal Corp. officials discuss the bridge project with community members at Hoag Library.

Brockport Mayor Margay Blackman attended the session in Albion. Brockport has been preparing for the closure of its Main Street lift bridge for the past year.

The village has a Bridging the Closure Committee with subcommittees on marketing, active transportation, vehicular traffic and events.

The groups are working on events on Main Street while the bridge is closed. Blackman said that could include having the farmers’ market right on the street and allowing restaurants to do outdoor service.

Brockport like Albion has a second lift bridge close by with the one on Park Avenue. Blackman said the village will have signs and notices to help route motorists around the community.

Brockport will also be encouraging biking and other “active transportation” during the closure. Some in the village think the closure could be an opportunity for the downtown merchants.

“We’re talking about how to market the closure and make it a positive,” Blackman said. “We want to get people interested in these bridges and how they work.”

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

ORCHARD PARK – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) introduced the Property Tax Reduction Act of 2022. The legislation would prohibit state governments from shifting their Medicaid burden onto local county governments.

“New York State is the only state to impose this Medicaid burden onto their local county governments, forcing property taxes higher and putting unnecessary financial strain on residents across the state,” Jacobs said. “County governments in New York must devote massive amounts of their property tax revenue to this Medicaid obligation – it costs Erie County over 70 percent of its local property tax revenue annually. This legislation corrects this inequity, demands much-needed state fiscal responsibility, and provides tax relief to families and homeowners.”

The Property Tax Reduction Act would require New York State to absorb the full costs of its Medicaid spending by reducing the state’s Federal Financial Participation (FFP) commensurate with the counties’ share of spending. This reduction is phased in over four years starting in 2025. In 2020, New York counties outside of New York City collectively are forced to contribute $2.3 billion towards the state’s share of Medicaid.

Rep. Jacobs was joined by Representatives Zeldin (NY-01), Stefanik (NY-21), and Tenney (NY-22) in introducing the legislation.

“The cost of living has risen exponentially for New Yorkers,” Rep. Tenney said. “From sky high property taxes to today’s 41-year-high inflation, people across our state just cannot catch a break. I’m honored to join the Property Tax Reduction Act once again to ensure counties across New York are not burdened with the State’s high costs of Medicaid spending. This will lower property taxes and force the State to live within its means and finally make important decisions about how to allocate and reduce spending. Enough unfunded mandates and costly burdens have been passed down to our local governments, it’s time we set New York on a path toward fiscal responsibility.”

Provided photo: Robin Boyle of Waterport holds two of the fish she caught in last year’s Reelin’ for the Cure derby. She is shown with captain Mitch Polkinkowski of Hemlock. He keeps his fishing boat at Point Breeze.

OLCOTT – Reelin’ for a Cure is a group of ladies and captains who gather annually in August to fish for top prize money in an All-Ladies Fishing tournament to raise money for women fighting cancer.

Each year the RFAC committee selects a different benefactor to receive proceeds of the derby. This year’s event will benefit the Ovarian Cancer Project.

This year’s Reelin’ for a Cure takes place on Friday, with fishing from 6 a.m. to noon. The goal of the ladies’ teams is to catch the biggest trout or salmon and/or most up to six during the six-hour time frame. They are always looking for more captains and lady angler teams to participate each year, bringing more attention to the awesome sportfishing on Lake Ontario as well as coming together for one day to help in the fight of women’s cancers, said organizer of the derby, Stephanie Pierleoni of Newfane.

All boats leave from Olcott or Wilson harbors.

An after party for participants, their families and volunteers takes place after the weigh-in at 1 p.m. in Krull Park.

Pierleoni started the women’s fishing derby in 2016, after hearing about a similar one in Oswego.

“They donated the proceeds to support causes dealing with women’s cancer,” Pierleoni said. “I thought why can’t we do something like that on this end of the lake.”

She has always loved to fish and often fishes with her husband Vince, who has been a fishing boat captain since 2009. Her first Fishin’ for a Cure was huge success, and she has done it every year since. Ten boats participated the first year and 45 are registered this year.

Three captains are participating from Point Breeze – Tom Boddy, Mitch Polkinkowski and Rick Hajecki. Several others are entering from Bald Eagle Marina in Kendall.

Robin Boyle of Waterport participated in the derby last year in support of her sister Sherri Boyle of Morristown, Tenn., who was battling a metastatic breast cancer. Sadly, Sherri died July 16, prompting Robin to enter the derby this year to support the event in memory of her sister. Robin is a member of the team on Polkinkowski’s boat.

Some of the charities Pierleoni has donated to in the past include the Wig Room, Look Good Feel Better and the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York. Individuals may donate by logging on the Reelin’ for a Cure website and clicking on “Donate money.”

Women each pay a fee of $250 to enter the derby.

MURRAY – The Town of Murray didn’t follow its usual schedule of a town-wide property assessment revaluation for 2022. The town, and others in Orleans County, usual do the re-val every three years.

But with a real estate, with many properties selling way above assessed values, Murray officials opted to wait on a re-val this year.

The Town Board decided it’s going to continue to wait – until at least 2024 for the next town-wide re-val.

“It is a chaotic time in the real estate market,” Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio said on Monday evening after the Town Board meeting. “We felt it might be a false market that might correct itself.”

Of the 10 towns in Orleans County, only Clarendon and Barre did re-vals in 2022. The other towns opted to wait until 2023 to see if the market prices hold.

Murray officials announced on Monday they won’t do the re-val in 2023, either. Sidonio said the high inflation and the rising interest rates should impact the market. The Town Board now will look to do the re-val in 2024.

There has been a real estate boom in Orleans County, with median sale prices up 16.7 percent in 2021 from the previous year and 25.8 percent in two years. The median sale price in Orleans County went up 68.5 percent over four years – jumping from $81,000 in 2017 to $136,500 in 2021, according to data from the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors.

“We hope it will slow down some,” Town Assessor Stephanie Holts said about the real estate market. “It’s so hard to predict with what’s going on in the world right now.”

Murray has 2,121 parcels, including in the Village of Holley. The town assessor’s office is planning to send a data mailer by the end of the year that shows each parcel owner all the information for that parcel. Owners will be asked to verify that information and note any additions.

Even though the town hasn’t done a re-val, that doesn’t mean property owners tax bills are staying the same. The state has put Murray’s equalization rate at 78 percent, meaning the assessed values of properties town-wide are at 78 percent of their market value.

With the upcoming school tax bills coming out in September, the equalization rate will be applied to the tax bills so they reflect a 100 percent market value.

State expands counties in watch, the first of 4 levels of drought advisory

MAP from NYS Department of Environmental Conservation: Many counties and regions of New York State are in a drought watch, the first level of a drought advisory. With a drought watch there are no statewide mandatory water use restrictions in place, but residents are strongly encouraged to voluntarily conserve water. Local public water suppliers may require conservation measures, depending upon local needs and conditions.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office 

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to issue an updated drought watch after consulting with the State Drought Management Task Force and federal partner agencies.

The watch now includes most New York counties except those located in the Adirondack, Eastern Great Lakes, and New York Metropolitan regions. New York State is encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks.

“While recent rains have helped, severe dry conditions continue to persist across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers should take steps to conserve water whenever possible in the areas now under a designated drought watch. Simple steps to reduce water consumption will be crucial to our efforts to help prevent any increased drought levels.”

Orleans County and the GLOW region are among the areas are a drought watch. A watch is the first of four levels of State drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a state drought watch.

“This year’s below normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures continue to combine to exacerbate low stream flows, reduced groundwater levels, and ongoing wildfire risk,” said Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “The DEC will continue to monitor water levels and the environmental impacts of the dry conditions and encourage residents throughout the state to monitor usage and avoid wasting water.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: A rare sighting of a pay phone at Hamlin Beach State Park on Sunday shows grass showing the effects of too little rain this summer.

An increasing number of water supply challenges are being reported due to dry conditions. Below-normal precipitation during the last three months, low stream flows and low groundwater levels prompt the need for the expansion of the watch status to ensure adequate public water supplies. Local public water suppliers are urged to assess the current situation, promote voluntary conservation, and take appropriate actions to manage risk.

DEC and U.S. Geological Survey are partners in evaluating hydrologic conditions across New York State. In addition, DEC supports efforts by local governments and stakeholders to undertake water conservation measures based on specific local circumstances.

Observed precipitation has been less than normal with shortfalls of two to six inches common over the last 90 days. The dry weather began in the spring and is beginning to significantly affect other metrics. Stream flows and groundwater levels are well below normal throughout much of the affected regions. Groundwater levels have been declining over the past few months and they are not expected to improve in the immediate future due to the existing precipitation deficit.

The National Weather Service outlook for the remainder of the summer predicts above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation. By voluntarily reducing water usage, and being extra careful with fire and outdoor flames, New Yorkers can help conserve our natural resources during these dry days of summer.

To protect water resources, homeowners are encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use and follow these tips:

• Water lawns only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration;
• Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants;
• Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water;
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks; and
• Fix leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets.

ALBION – There will be a meeting today at Hoag Library from 6 to 8 p.m. which will detail an upcoming $15 million rehabilitation of the Main Street lift bridge.

The state Department of Transportation will have displays and other information about the project, with staff present to take questions from the community. The bridge on Route 98 is expected to be closed for about 18 months.

The bridge was originally built in 1914. It typically closes a few days each year for short-term repairs. It is one of 16 lift bridges on the Erie Canal, and one of seven in Orleans County.

The DOT previously said the work includes installing high-strength galvanized steel to replace the steel floor system and select truss members. Updates will also be made to the mechanical and electrical components of the lifting mechanisms. The lift tower will also be rehabilitated.

In addition, the bridge railing and guide rail on the bridge approaches will be improved and bridge will be repainted.

ALBION – Hospice of Orleans/dba Supportive Care of Orleans has announced the return of Derek Reiner of Albion as new human resource/marketing/development specialist. Reiner previously worked at Hospice as director of development and public relations from 2019 to 2021.

Derek Reiner

“We are excited to welcome Derek home,” said Julie Kumiega, Supportive Care of Orleans CEO.  “He has hit the ground running with our Toast to Hospice event Aug. 27 and is already talking about plans for a 10-year anniversary event to celebrate our Martin-Linsin Residence.”

A 2005 graduate of Attica Senior High School, Reiner has two college degrees, one from Trocaire College, where he studied sports and medical massage therapy and applied science, and the other from Brockport State College, where he studied exercise science and kinesiology, before pursuing his doctorate in chiropractic.

“I am honored to serve the Orleans County community once again,” Reiner said. “I am very committed to enhancing our community’s knowledge on the hospice services we provide and helping to bridge the gap of care for the terminally ill residents of Orleans County.”

Reiner has worked simultaneously in both the healthcare and technology space for the last decade. He has held positions with tech companies and chiropractic wellness centers, as well as running his own private practice.

He worked and interned for Roswell Park Cancer Institute, providing oncology massage as well as end-of-life care, which has grown to be a big part of his life. He has also worked for a global technology distributor providing market development services to thousands of information technology vendors and clients from all over the country.

He also is a seasoned marketing and business development professional with an adaptive disposition in the technology and healthcare industry.

Teen center at Pearl Street site among projects in the works

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Jesse Cudzillo stands next to the play area for young children at the YMCA. He has announced plans to build a teen center in the building, beginning in the fall.

MEDINA – With a new director, new programming and the promise of new funding, GLOW YMCA is looking forward to an exciting year.

Jesse Cudzillo took over the reins June 6 after Greg Reed accepted the position as district director of Orleans and Genesee YMCA in Batavia.

Cudzillo grew up in Buffalo and after his family moved to Eden, he graduated from Eden High School. He followed school by joining the Air Force in 1996, retiring from there after 20 years.

He is married to Katie Smider from Gasport and the has four children. Their youngest son is a junior in high school, the next attends Brockport State College, their daughter works and goes to college in Virginia and the oldest son works for Isaac Heating and Cooling.

Cudzillo said each time they had to move while he was in the Air Force, they made a practice of looking for a good place to send their kids to school and then bought a house in that area. That is also how they ended up in Medina.

Cudzillo held various jobs after retiring from the Air Force, the latest being with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

When he saw the ad for a director at the GLOW YMCA, he had already been a member since 2019.

“I always looked for a job where I could best use the talents I’d been given and the experience I’ve gained in life,” he said. “I saw an opportunity to impact the community where my children live, in hopes some of them will settle here and raise their kids here.”

His goal as director of the YMCA is to create a place where the community can come for health, wellness and recreation.

Jesse Cudzillo, new director of GLOW YMCA in Medina, points out one of the murals in the Y, painted by local artist Brandi Zavitz.

“I see this place as a central hub for the entire community,” Cudzillo said. “As I read about the history of the YMCA in Medina, I see it used to the place to go. I want to continue that. I want the Y to be the first place people want to go when they think of family fun.”

The YMCA is so much more than a gym, he said. He said he is amazed at how many people don’t realize all the YMCA has to offer. The Y offers a summer camp, and child care before and after school in four locations – Medina, Lyndonville, Albion and Akron. They offer “drop and shop,” where parents can drop their children off while they go shopping.

Looking to the future, Cudzillo said there is exciting news in the works regarding new projects. One is building a teen center downstairs on the north side of the building. This will focus on the 12-18 age group.

“Our vision is to give them a safe place to hang out after school,” Cudzillo said. “There will be sports, tutoring if they need it and special events, or they can just relax. We also plan to build a teaching kitchen.”

Remodeling will begin this fall, he said.

“Our hope is youth will continue to come in and join, and thereby give back to the community,” he added. “Being in the military and moving so often, every place we went we had to create new space in the community. I believe this place can be such a space.”

He is working with Job Development to host a job fair and has a blood drive scheduled on Thursday. He is eagerly awaiting the announcement of a grant which will fund an exciting new program never offered in Orleans County before.

No appointment needed to access services and begin path to wellness

Provided photo: The GCASA Detox Center is attached to rear of Atwater Community Residence in Batavia.

By Mike Pettinella, GCASA Publicist

BATAVIA – In an ongoing effort to meet people right where they’re at, the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse staff is offering an “open access” first step to substance use disorder recovery.

“We’re pleased to announce that men and women seeking detoxification are able to come to our Detox Center (attached to the Atwater Community Residence at 424 East Main St.) without appointment from Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. to begin their path to wellness,” said Allison Parry-Gurak, GCASA’s director of Residential Services.

Upon arrival at the recently opened Detox Center, which provides 16 beds for short-term (usually three to seven days) detoxification treatment and services, the person in need will be screened by a medical professional and, if appropriate, will be assigned to a bed the same day, Parry-Gurak advised.

The facility enlists the services of medial and technical staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week and counseling services 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Our Detox Center employees are specially trained and certified to assist people who require these short-term services – those showing mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms and suffering from mild, moderate or severe substance use disorder stemming from alcohol, opioid or benzodiazepine addiction.”

Parry-Gurak said the Detox Center – along with GCASA’s supportive living residences – have beds available.

“We encourage people not to try and detox at home,” she said. “Here, we will provide the care and treatment they need – meeting with a counselor every day, participating in individual and group therapy sessions and supported by peer advocates – before guiding them to medically-assisted treatment.”

The Detox Center is, in many cases, the initial phase in the road to recovery provided by GCASA.

After detoxification, patients can transition to the Atwater Community Residence, a 17-bed facility for men and women that provides counseling and treatment services for up to a six-month stay.

“The criteria (for admission) is a bit different,” Parry-Gurak said. “People have to have at least 10 days since their last (substance) use, but it is open to those struggling to an expanded area of substance use disorder.

GCASA’s supportive living program features 24 beds in Genesee and Orleans counties.

Parry-Gurak said supportive living works well for adults who have been in recovery for some time and are ready for independent care.

“It’s apartment-style living, with openings for men and women,” she said, adding that appointments are required for entry into Atwater and the supportive living homes (by calling 585-813-6508).

As far as the Detox Center’s benefits, she said having the facility in Batavia makes it much easier for Genesee area residents to get immediate help.

“In the past, we would have to send people to Erie County Medical Center, Strong Memorial (in Rochester) to Warsaw (Wyoming County Community Hospital),” she said. “With our center now open and having all insurance approvals in place, we’re providing that immediate care for those still actively using.”

For more information about the Detox Center, call 585-815-1860.

‘We’re inviting people to experience it with the intention of healing our hearts and humanity.’ – Courtney Kazembe

ALBION – The former St. Mary’s Catholic School on Brown Street has a new use and purpose as a retreat center.

The site was most recently used as an assisted living site with an adult daycare by Tender Loving Family Care. Tender Loving continues to operate sites in Le Roy and Irondequoit.

Annika Kazembe, president and founder of Tender Loving, opened the new retreat center with her husband Courtney Kazembe, who is the founder and chairman of the Global Institute for Transformation & Enlightenment (GIFTE).

The couple celebrated the grand opening of the center on Friday and is planning a bigger celebration in October.

“This is all about raising the human vibration,” Mr. Kazembe said. “It’s about bringing wholeness and peace. It’s about bringing forgiveness among family members and races. It’s about reconciliation.”

Courtney and Annika Kazembe celebrate the grand opening of the retreat center on Friday afternoon with Eileen Banker, chief of staff for Assemblyman Steve Hawley. Banker attended the school when she was a kid. She presented the Kazembes with a citation for opening the new business.

Mr. Kazembe said the site is perfect for a retreat center. The former school is 7,000 square feet. It was a bed and breakfast before it was purchased by Tender Loving. There are eight bedrooms, two larger communal spaces, a kitchen and a second floor auditorium with stage.

“This is a sacred space where people can come together,” Kazembe said. “Everything is designed to bring about the best in human beings. Underneath there is love in all human beings.”

Kazembe established GIFTE about a decade ago. He welcomes people looking to reconnect and learn more about their mind, body and spirit, and he will support them on their awakening journey.

The couple will offer health and wellness programs and events together to create a “unique, five-star experience” for guests, they said.

The property is close to the Erie Canal and the towpath, which offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, biking and hikes.

Courtney Kazembe is the founder and chairman of the Global Institute for Transformation & Enlightenment (GIFTE). He serves as a spiritual teacher, author and transformation coach. The retreat center in Albion will foster “healing our hearts and humanity,” he said.

Guests can stay inside or camp outside, including in “glamping” tents. Guests will have the option of participating in activities such as yoga, meditation and both sound and shamanic therapy during their stay. The retreat center will include an outdoor sweat lodge.

“We’re inviting people to experience it with the intention of healing our hearts and humanity,” Kazembe said about the retreat space. “What if we find the best in all of us?”

The retreats may be introductory sessions for a day, or longer outings over a weekend or a week. The programs will be offered year-round.

Retreats and events will be accompanied with plant-based food to accompany the healing processes that will take place on the grounds, the Kazembes said.

GIFTE teams with a sister organization, The Kazembe Foundation, to support youth on their journey towards personal power and empowerment. They provide leading life courses and workshops, investing in scholarship opportunities, providing guidance through mentoring programs.

One of those programs is YESS! or Youth Empowerment Success Seminar. They will bring that program to 1,000 people, ages 16 to 26 in Jamaica. Click here for more on YESS!

The former school was most recently used as an assisted living site with an adult daycare. Before that it was a bed and breakfast. The Kazembes painted the 7,000-square-foot site from dark brown to a beige color.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities has entered into a $10 million partnership with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals to expand opportunities for professional credentialing for direct support professionals in the developmental disabilities field throughout New York State.

The three-year agreement will help professionalize the direct support professional workforce and address worker shortages.

“Workforce shortages are putting a tremendous strain on our dedicated direct service professionals, and in response New York is taking action to provide career advancement and growth opportunities in this crucial field,” Hochul said. “This $10 million partnership to expand credentialing will prove critical in providing support for training, education and expanded recruitment and retention efforts – an important step in meeting the needs of New Yorkers with developmental disabilities.”

OPWDD’s partnership with the National Alliance will provide access to three levels of direct support professionals credentialing and its frontline supervisor certification through participation in its E-Badge Academy. The project is supported by federal funds OPWDD is receiving through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

The National Alliance credential is competency-based and modeled on the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services’ Direct Service Workforce Core Competencies and the National Alliance Code of Ethics.

Founded in 1996, the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals’ mission is to enhance the quality of support provided to people with disabilities through the provision of products, services and certifications which elevate the status of direct support workers. The organization strongly promotes recognition and identity of direct support professionals to spur meaningful public policy investments, while also advancing the knowledge, skills, and values of this occupation.

In the coming weeks, the National Alliance will release a request for proposals for eligible home and community-based service provider organizations to participate in the grant and claim seats in the E-badge Academy for staff. The National Alliance will provide credentialing or certification for about 2,442 direct service professionals and frontline supervisors over the length of the three-year contract.

The project will provide bonuses for participating direct service professionals. In addition, the project will reimburse employers for training hours undertaken by their staff.

OPWDD’s plans for all of its ARPA funds can be found by clicking here.

“Expanding access to this industry-recognized credential will improve the competence and skills of our workforce and ultimately increase retention rates,” said Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Kerri Neifeld. “It will provide our dedicated frontline staff who have been working tirelessly to meet the needs of New Yorkers with developmental disabilities under tremendous pressure the professional advancement and career opportunities they so well deserve. And, most importantly, it will help to ensure that thousands of New Yorkers those who need caring, expert direct service professionals to show up every day ready to meet their needs will receive the services they need to pursue their personal best and live their most fulfilling lives.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

GAINES – Lisa Mannella of L & S Creative Designs is shown with a display of country craft items that she makes with Stephanie Rustay. They were one of 27 vendors at a flea market on Saturday at the Cobblestone Museum.

The flea market returned after more than 20 years. The event was a popular summer event at the museum in the 1980s and ’90s, said Sue Bonafini, assistant director at the museum.

She noted many of the vendors were busy on Saturday, with some selling at least half of the items they brought for the sale.

The museum also sold out on all 100 hot dogs it cooked for the flea market.

Frank Ferri of Medina spins wool from a sheep next to his booth of primitive items. Ferri said twisting the wool gives it strength.

“It’s a great conversation starter,” he said while sitting outside the historic Ward House on Route 104.

Ed Shorey of Albion brought a collection of vintage and new fishing lures, which he said were popular with the crowd at the flea market. Some of the older lures were made of wood from the 1940s and ’50s. He is impressed by the artistry in the older lures, especially the eyes that were carved by hand.